When students get to the college or university campus, they should get information on local and/or campus emergency alert systems. They’re typically texts or calls to the student’s cell phone.

Parents can sign up for these alerts as well to know what’s going on at the student’s college or university.

If the student is living in a dormitory or school administered housing, find out where the emergency or storm shelters are. If they’re living off campus, know where the “safe room” is in the apartment or house.

Some colleges have emergency beacons on walkways and in parking lots. Students should know where these are and how to use them. Campuses may be near community warning sirens. Know what the tones mean when the sirens sound.

Know the difference between a lockdown order and shelter-in-place.

Lockdown usually means that the classroom, dorm or housing doors should be locked, windows closed and no one let into the building until police or security gives the OK.

A shelter-in-place order is used when dangerous chemical agents have been released into the air due to an accident. Persons should turn off all furnace and ventilation systems, enter a room with few or no windows and then seal windows, doors, vents and electrical outlets with plastic sheeting and tape. They should monitor radio and/or television for an all-clear order.

In case of severe weather, students should move to the shelter area in the building they’re in. This is usually in a basement, stairway or an interior room without windows.

For more information about being prepared for emergencies, follow us on Facebook (LexingtonKYEM) and Twitter (@LexKYEM).

Do you know someone who may need some extra help during an emergency? Are you wheelchair bound or on oxygen? Fill out your information here and our responders will be able to give you priority assistance.